You may be eligible to nominate if you:

• are enrolled in a graduate award course at the University of Melbourne at the time of nomination
• have at least 12 months of expected enrolment in a graduate award course at the University of Melbourne from the date of the election
• satisfy the fit and proper person requirements specified by TEQSA

Eligible students may nominate by completing and submitting an online form before the close of nominations at 12pm on Friday 18 September 2026.

Students who may be eligible to nominate received an email with a link to the online nomination form.

If you believe you’re eligible but haven’t received an email, please contact uni-elections@unimelb.edu.au as soon as possible.

You must declare in the form that you:

• are enrolled in a graduate award course at the University of Melbourne at the time of nomination
• have at least 12 months of expected enrolment in a graduate award course at the University of Melbourne from the date of the election

If your enrolment ceases, you will no longer be eligible and your membership of Council will cease.

You must include a TEQSA Fit and Proper Person Requirements Declaration with your nomination.

You may include a candidate statement (up to 200 words) and a photo with your nomination (to be published online).

Late nominations will not be accepted.

If more than one eligible nomination is received by close of nominations on 12pm on Friday 18 September 2026, an electronic ballot will be held.

• Ballot opens: 12pm Monday 19 October 2026
• Ballot closes: 12pm Thursday 22 October 2026

Students are eligible to vote if they are a graduate student enrolled in an award course at the University of Melbourne.

Candidates are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and in a manner consistent with the standards of the University community and with University policies and guidance. Election Campaign Conduct Guidelines set out further information. Campaigning is only permitted during the ballot period.

The University Council welcomes and values student perspectives among its membership. The standard term of a student elected member of Council is two years.

The University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) establishes the Council as the governing body of the University.

Council has the general direction and superintendence of the University; and subject to the Act, the university statutes and university regulations, may exercise all the powers, functions and duties of the University. The primary responsibilities of the Council set out in s8(3) of the Act are to:

• Appoint and monitor the performance of the Vice-Chancellor
• Approve the mission and strategic direction of the University, annual budget and business plan
• Oversee and review the management of the University and its performance
• Establish policy and procedural principles
• Approve and monitor systems of control and accountability (overview of controlled entities)
• Oversee and monitor the assessment of risk across the University, including commercial activities
• Oversee and monitor the academic activities of the University
• Approve any significant university commercial activities

This pack provides information on Council members' responsibilities, Council Committees, the Council Charter and an overview of University governance.